The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is now accepting applications for the new Altman Family Scholarship, and the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship, for graduate students who have the skills and passion to become leading floricultural scientists and educators.

The application is available online and is the deadline is Feb. 1.

The Altman Family Scholarship was created in 2015 by Ken and Denna Altman, owners of Altman Plants, who support numerous efforts to improve education and research for the industry.

The Altmans are highly appreciative of the field of horticulture and enjoy giving back. They established the Center for Applied Horticultural Research as an effort to help the industry. Ken Altman has also been actively involved in AFE's Education and Scholarship Committees for decades.

"We're privileged to have Ken on our board," said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman-Elect and Education Committee Chairman. "His experience has been undoubtedly beneficial for AFE as we continue to advance the industry, and his commitment to improving education efforts is commendable."

The Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke, Jr., who made significant contributions to the floriculture industry and believed strongly in research and education.

Ecke was concerned about the future of floriculture and recognized that innovative researchers and educators are necessary for the continued success of the industry.

"Support from the industry is a very meaningful and appreciated honors," said Daniel Klittich, 2015 Ecke recipient. "I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to help the industry move forward."

One student will be selected for each scholarship.

Applicants must be int he process of successfully completing either a bachelor's or master's degree in horticulture or a related field (e.g. agricultural engineering, entomology, agricultural marketing and economics, plant pathology, etc.) and must have the intention of pursuing a MS or Ph.D. on a full-time basis.

Applicants attending land-grant universities will automatically be considered of the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. all others will qualify for the Altman Family Scholarship.

More information about the scholarships and how to apply is available at endowment.org.